7 Best Anti Fatigue Mats to Watch for in 2023: Australia

The best mats for pain and fatigue reduction in a variety of applications.

If you spend long periods on your feet, you are right to be searching for the best anti fatigue mats. But it can be confusing trying to find the perfect mat for your application. There’s a variety of matting that can reduce pain and muscle fatigue, but each varies slightly.

As always, Matshop is on a quest to provide the most useful information possible. Our team of matxperts have 30 years combined experience in the matting industry, so we like to think we know a thing or 2 about mats.

Here is our in-depth summary of the best anti fatigue mats in Australia. Keep reading for tips on choosing the perfect mat for you.

 

The top anti fatigue mats to watch for in 2023: Australian edition

1. Best anti fatigue mat for factories and warehouses

We only recommend anti fatigue mats made from commercial-grade rubber for factories and warehouses. This is because rubber is one of the most durable and versatile mat materials on the market.

Mats made from rubber are consistent, so you know you can rely on them for years. You might also want a mat with a yellow safety border, to highlight hazards and further prevent slips, trips, and falls.

Example: Grid Surface Moulded Rubber Anti Fatigue Comfort Mat with a Yellow Safety Border

 

2. Best anti fatigue kitchen mat

Commercial kitchens have unique requirements for their anti fatigue matting. Kitchens see a lot of grease and oil spilt, so all flooring needs to be able to withstand this. Rubber is usually the best material for anti fatigue matting, but it needs to be treated to work well in kitchens.

Look for a mat containing some nitrile rubber. This might be in addition to natural rubber or instead – but the higher the better.

Example: Grease Resistant Rubber Safety Mat with Holes

 

3. Best anti fatigue mats for offices

Many offices now know that sitting is the new smoking. So, sit-stand desks and standing desk converters are becoming much more common. With every standing desk, you need a standing desk mat. Standing desk mats are anti fatigue mats that are designed for offices.

The best anti fatigue mat for a standing desk is one that offers the most comfort. As you are unlikely to be walking on and off your mat frequently, you do not need something

Example: Marble Design Durable PVC Comfort Mat

 

4. Best anti fatigue mats for homes

Some of our customers want anti fatigue matting for their homes. This is often for the kitchen sink or cooker but is a useful addition anywhere you stand often. Your home anti fatigue mat does not need to withstand high traffic levels, so you can go for optimum comfort here.

As always, we recommend choosing something that will reduce slips, trips, and falls as well as discomfort. So, a textured surface is ideal for any anti fatigue mat. This is particularly important in houses with elderly occupants or children.

Example: Resilient Ultra High Comfort Anti Fatigue Mat

 

5. Best non slip anti fatigue mat

A great anti fatigue mat won’t cause more problems than it solves, so make sure yours prevents slips, trips, and falls too. Look for a mat with bevelled edges that will allow a seamless transition on and off its surface. That way, no one will trip on its edges.

This is particularly important if you expect to be moving/walking over the mat’s surface, rather than standing stationary. Also, look for a mat with a textured surface. This will provide traction on shoe soles and prevent slip accidents.

Example: Non slip Anti Fatigue Safety Mat Runner

 

6. Best anti fatigue mat for back pain

The most common reason our customers look for anti fatigue mats is to reduce back pain. Often, it's employers looking to make their workers more comfortable, but sometimes it’s the workers themselves.

The perfect anti fatigue mat lets you stand comfortably without pain. They do this by allowing your muscles room to flex as they do on natural surfaces. Check out this article to learn more about how anti fatigue matting works.

Example: Resilient Ultra High Comfort Anti Fatigue Mat

 

7. Best eco-friendly anti fatigue mat

Most anti fatigue mats are made from rubber, which is not the most eco-friendly material on the market. You can, however, make a more sustainable choice by choosing natural rubber wherever possible.

Look for 100% natural rubber products for the most environmentally-friendly options. But, if you need an anti fatigue mat for a kitchen, you will need a high nitrile content too. So, 50/50 works very well for those looking to take advantage of the best of both worlds.

Example: Heavy Duty Rubber Safety Mat with Holes

 

What to look for in an anti fatigue mat

The best anti fatigue standing mats offer support and comfort without compromising stability. Depending on your needs, that might mean the most cushiony comfortable anti fatigue mat is not your best option.

Additional features are available, but not all anti fatigue mats suit each application. Here are a few features you should look for in a mat, but this list is not exhaustive:

• Comfort: A more comfortable work environment is the main reason you are investing in anti fatigue matting, so it should be your number 1 requirement. Not all anti fatigue mats are made equal, so make sure yours does its job.
• Stability: While comfort is critical, stability should be too. A comfortable mat that makes you unsteady is dangerous in most physical jobs. Choose a mat with a low profile and sturdy structure that won’t make you wobble on the job.
• Durability: The right mat will last as long as you need, which is why we always recommend investing in a high-quality product. You will save money in the long run when your mat does not need replacing after 6 months.
• Slip resistance: If you are walking, rather than standing still, you need something that will prevent slips, trips, and falls too. Non slip backing and a textured surface are important for holding them in place and creating friction with your feet.
• Weather resistance: Anyone working outside needs something that can withstand the elements. UV resistance is something anti fatigue mats can be treated with, but water drainage should be built in already.
• Grease, oil, and chemical resistance: If you expect liquids or oils to be spilt, make sure these won’t cause your mat to deteriorate. A high nitrile rubber content will make a mat resistant to grease and chemicals.

 

How to choose the right anti fatigue mat

1. Buy from an established provider

If you’re not sure how to work out which providers are established, have a look on Google. Great companies have great websites, and a great reputation online. You can also utilise your network here, so ask peers and colleagues which companies they use.

The best providers of mats also make their products (or at least most of them) on-site. Look for a mat supplier with its own factory, as these will know their products the best.

 

2. Read reviews

To find impartial reviews, look on Google, Trustpilot, or Yotpo. Avoid relying on reviews directly from suppliers’ websites, as these are less likely to be genuine. Look for reviews by verified purchasers and see what they say about the business and products.

Obviously, the higher the score the better, but also look at what customers are saying about the quality of the mats and the service provided by the business.

 

3. Ask for samples

A great mat provider won’t be shy to prove their products’ great quality. If their mats speak for themselves, they will be happy to supply evidence of this. Samples are small sections of mats that you can use to evaluate the quality and fit for your purpose.

Asking for samples is a great way to assess the business and its products. If they won’t send them, red flag. If they will, you can test out the products. It’s a win-win.

 

4. Check the guarantees

If a mat supplier has great products, they will have ways to reassure you of that. Money-back guarantees and fuss-free returns are examples of guarantees that can help you trust a business.

Warranties are also a great indicator of high-quality products. If mats are covered by warranties (especially long ones), then you know they are much more likely to last.

 

5. Ask questions

This goes for any product, but anyone selling a great mat will be happy to answer all your questions about it. Hard-to-reach sales teams or outsourced customer service should be a major red flag.

Ask questions like:

• Is this mat covered by a warranty?
• What happens if I want to return it?
• What traffic level is this mat suitable for?
• Is this mat resistant to {insert substance}?
• Is this mat UV-resistant?
• Does this mat drain water?
• Can this mat withstand wheeled traffic as well as pedestrians?
• What applications is this mat meant for?
• Is this product right for my {insert application}?
• Are there any other products you recommend?
• Do you have a product guide you can share with me?
• Can you help me measure/assess my area?

 

Choosing the perfect anti fatigue mat

Look for an anti fatigue mat that provides comfort and support. You might also need your anti fatigue matting to offer additional features, such as slip or weather resistance. Write a list of your needs and check all products against these. That way, you won’t forget when it’s most important.

Feel free to question your retailer. If they know their products and are confident in their great quality, they will be happy to assist wherever they can.

At Matshop, we pride ourselves on both great quality products and outstanding customer service. We are happy to provide information and advice whenever needed, whether you want to buy from us or not.

Many of our customers have specific requirements, and this guide is very general. For more personalised recommendations, feel free to reach out to the team. As always, you can reach the matxperts on 1300 628 746, via the chat function below or at [email protected].